Revealed: The truth behind Hibs owner's 'talks' with Scotland's richest man
Midtjylland owner bonded with Ian Gordon as teams met in Europa League clash
There goes the Jenner’s discount for all Hibs season ticket holders, then. Even if the old flagship retail venue on Edinburgh’s Princes Street isn’t quite what it used to be, that would have been a nice little bonus.
Scotland’s richest man - owner of not only the most famous shop in the capital but fashion brand ASOS – is NOT on the brink of investing in Hibernian FC, despite early reports yesterday. The Evening News understands that conversations between Anders Hoch Povlsen’s and Hibs owner Ian Gordon have been informal, that there has been no talk of even a minority investment, and that there is certainly no imminent prospect of any financial deal being struck.
If, however, Gordon is in even casual contact with a man who regularly seems to be on the brink of investing in some Scottish club or other, he might pick up a few tips. Because anyone in football would surely love to spend a few hours picking the brains of the man behind FC Midtjylland’s rise to prominence.
Hibs and Midtjylland played out a Europa League classic in August
Gordon and Povlsen met when Hibs played the Danes in the Europa League right back at the start of this season. And anyone who was in Herning for the first leg of that tie couldn’t fail to be impressed with the miracle of Midjylland.
A club from the very edges of the middle of nowhere, they’ve won the Danish Superliga title four times since 2014 – and twice in the past five seasons. They’ve developed a reputation for scouting and developing talent, as well as deploying innovative coaching and analysis methods, to gain an edge that has seen them excel in UEFA competition; they currently sit fourth in the Europa League.
Incredible European success story
But it was the behind-the-scenes work that really struck those of us granted access to the training ground on the eve of the Hibs game. Given a tour of a campus that includes a school directly attached to the training facility, giving the under-8s the opportunity share lunch with the first team, we couldn’t fail to be impressed.
With Hibs currently pushing ahead with plans to expand their own facility out at East Mains, it wouldn’t be the worst idea for Ian to ask Anders for the number of his architect. And maybe some words of advice on how to maintain a thriving academy in a country susceptible to raids for all of its best young talent.
Bill Foley Black Knights deal fell apart
As for whether the relationship goes any further, well, there’s a reason why the whole Bill Foley deal didn’t work out. Billionaires tend to want control of things; they don’t invest in projects just to play the role of silent partner.
And the Gordon family, still funding shortfalls and backing the football department with funding, are very much in control at Hibs. They’re happy to stand on their record to date – and are naturally wary of endangering the legacy of late chairman Ron.
Just over a year ago, Povlsen was apparently on the brink of ploughing money into Dundee United. Like Foley, he presides over a sporting empire – including clubs in Portugal and Nigeria – and has an acquisitive nature. And clearly isn’t fixated on one particular target.
Whether or not that would ever include throwing some cash at Hibs, in exchange for a seat or two on the board but no overall control, remains to be seen.